Alonso Closer to Ferrari Move

Alonso waving to the Spanish crowd

The love story between Ferrari and Fernando Alonso seems to have evolved to the next level these days, as the declarations coming from both parties have been nothing but flattering towards each other. The latest episode was revealed by Spanish newspaper AS, whose reporter had a chat with Ferrari's team principal Stefano Domenicali during his flight from Madrid to Paris.

As reported by the AS journalist, Domenicali constantly refused to deny rumors suggesting Alonso is as good as signed as a Ferrari driver in the near future. The Italian manager admitted he likes the Spanish driver a lot, rating him as “bravissimo” (great) within the F1 field. In addition, when asked about the rumors linking Alonso to a Ferrari move, Domenicali left the door opened “We'll see, we'll see!”

Alonso, in turn, has been one of Ferrari's most feverish supporters in the company's conflict with the FIA. While insisting the sport will never be the same without the prancing horse, the 2-time world champion got to a point where he even considered quitting Formula One if Ferrari chose to do the same.

Spanish banking giant Santander recently held talks with Scuderia officials to switch their sponsorship programme from McLaren to Ferrari, this again being a confirmation of the close reports between Alonso and the Scuderia. Santander joined the Woking based team at the beginning of 2007, choosing to team up with McLaren alongside Spanish champion Alonso.

In the meantime, the Spaniard left the British outfit, while Santander have been trying to put an end to their partnership with McLaren ever since. It is believed the bank will become official backer of the Scuderia in 2010, in case the Italian team decides to stay in the sport.

During a media event earlier this year, 27-year old Alonso had only positive things to say about Ferrari.

“I like winning and having the best car, and Ferrari has proved that it always has one of the best,” said the Spaniard, who is currently Pick No 1 in the Ferrari fans' preference list for a racing spot with the Scuderia.